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Optogenetics

Optogenetics is a method that uses light to modulate molecular events in a targeted manner in living cells or organisms. It relies on the use of genetically-encoded proteins that change conformation in the presence of light to alter cell behaviour, for example, by changing the membrane voltage potential of excitable cells.

Latest Research and Reviews

A compressed sensing approach enables the identification of key neurons involved in a particular behavior with few measurements, using genetic tools with limited specificity. The approach is demonstrated in the C. elegans interneuron circuitry.

An optoelectronic platform that operates at low power and uses position- and angle-independent wireless power harvesting can provide multimodal programmable control over optogenetic stimulation parameters.

A steep gradient of Cdc42 is at the front of migrating cells, whereas the active Rac1 gradient is graded. Here the authors show that Cdc42 gradients follow the distribution of GEFs and govern direction of migration, while Rac1 gradients require the activity of the GAP β2-chimaerin and control cell speed.

A closed-loop all-optical strategy allows manipulation of neurons on the basis of their ongoing activity and can be used to clamp neuronal activity to a preset level, boost sensory-evoked activity or yoke together the activity of trigger and target neurons.

News and Comment

The use of optogenetic strategies in biomedicine therapeutics has the potential to provide nonpharmacological modulation of nervous system function. The development of integrative, implantable, remote-powered devices is an advance towards translation of these strategies, with the potential for precision, revolutionary treatment of complex or refractory disease-related or trauma-related symptoms.